"The state government has launched a special atta-dal scheme under which the beneficiaries would be able to get wheat flour at Re 1 per kg and pulse at `20 per kg. About 31.5 lakh families in the state would be able to take benefit of the scheme," said Kairon while inaugurating the scheme.

"Earlier, about 18 lakh families were getting benefit from this scheme in the state. But, now 13.5 lakh more families have been provided blue cards under the scheme," the minister said, addressing the gathering at the new grain market.

Wheat flour and pulses would be supplied twice a year June and December and 30 kg wheat flour would be distributed per head to the families.

A total of 976 families were given wheat flour and pulses for 6 months from December to May on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion in Muktsar, Adesh Partap Singh said, "Due to the partial approach of the union government, only about 8.5 per cent population of the state was covered under the various schemes through the public distribution system while in the neighboring state of Haryana, about 27 per cent population was being covered."

Adesh claimed that now under the new scheme of the state government, about 51 per cent population would be covered under the scheme.

He said instead of loose, now packed wheat bags would be given to ensure quality and quantity of the grains.In Muktsar district,1,35,203 families would be able to get benefit under this scheme.